Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast

You have permission to believe. Today, we talk about coaching and how we approach coaching, both with athletes and ourselves. We also talk about our business model, which we’re sure a lot of people will question. In essence, we believe in going with our gut, even if (sometimes especially if) that means we’re bucking the trends. Plus, previews and predictions for Challenge Daytona. Topics: Don’t forget to check out our C26 Club Program where we plan your entire 2021 Race Season for $349. Mike is attempting to be an athlete again Ups and downs of training cycles Wade in slowly and do what feels right Getting back to the basics The intersection of mental and physical energy There’s only so much you can do When your mind is in 100% overdrive "Genius is the person who can most truly be who they are." Mike’s road from athlete to artist to musician back to athlete No one cares as much as you care Our job is to help them become happy with what they do Your workouts are for you, not us The rah rah is at a minimum Whe

More naps, coffee with friends, hikes with your dog, days off? What’s it gonna take? December has always been a tricky month, and this year, maybe more than ever. Today, we talk about a list of things Coach Robbie sent to our athletes about how to best “attack” December. The biggest things is to keep the train rolling, be strong, recover, and connect. A new season is looming and what you do this month can put you in a great position to train like you want to train for next year’s races. Topics: Keeping the Momentum Thank YOU for the support Empowering each other Truly understanding how you FEEL The skill of flexibility Feeling good but not smashed Why coach Robbie is “pumped” What sounds fun to you Take More Naps (at the right time) Athletes who NEVER race Learning from addictive personalities Willpower or Burnout? The most important skill an athlete can have Making decisions with confidence Coaches shouldn’t be your ultimate decision maker Who has your back? Ramp ups, down weeks, and DOWN PERIODS If you’re

Do you feel like you’re on the roller coaster at times? Going with the same plan that doesn’t quite hit the spot? Today we talk about training plans, recovery, re-charging, and figuring out how to hit your best potential as an athlete and person. Adjusting workouts, days off, diet, sleep, etc. You know you can do it, but doing it the right way FOR YOU is one of the biggest challenges in triathlon. Topics:  Re-charging the body and mind The “do whatever you want” mode Managing mental and physical toll Hyper-structured Type A Recovering from RACE BUILD, not just the race The long term effects of Ironman The mental tug of war for days off Being empowered to make good choices Coaching is not a dictatorship The Links in the Chain Workouts are there for you to mold Showing yourself grace as an athlete Everything we do is done in pencil Pushing the emotional needle too far The Final Exam Having hunger vs anxiety Seasonal depression Setting yourself up for success If you want to go far, go together ---------------

Are you moving the right direction? This is the toughest time of a really tough year for all of us. Today, we talk about how "The Standard is The Standard" and no matter what we all have to figure out what's really important and stay on that course. Coach Robbie shows us his reaction to having Texas 70.3 cancelled and explains how he changed his mindset and made it a positive. Sometimes life gives us what we really need and it's up to us to get our minds right.  Topics: Coach Robbie talks about Texas 70.3 cancelled Don't Forget Your Original Goals When the atmosphere is ripped away? Why did you really get into the sport? Life gives you what you really need can you dig to race depth without a race? The mentality shift of a race cancel Waking up with “leg pop” Turning mind into gratitude mindsets Fueling in a mental way Finding that discomfort level on bike Reconciling the “buts” and “what ifs” Racing alone demons Finding that negative split Are you “waiting” because you don’t have it or it will be painful? Em

We recorded the day before Coach Robbie was leaving for Texas 70.3, but he found out the race was canceled during his drive. The podcast is about his race prep, taper, and strategy. the guys talk about the importance race week sharpening and the ability to control your gears during the race. And, mostly, it's about being able to control your racing gears. We make thousands of decisions while racing and we give you the best way to make sure your'e making the right one. --------------- Registration is now open for the C26 Club Training Program. Take the worry and stress out of your 2021 season. For more information, please visit www.C26Triathlon.com/the-c26-club Looking for a swim analysis, personalized zones for training, and an awesome experience? Check out our New C26 Hub Training Center in Chattanooga.  C26 Gear is now available (for a limited time) at www.c26triathlon.com/c26-store  A great way to support the podcast!  Looking for an awesome coach? Former Professional triathlete, Jessica Jacobs is now co

This year is all about controlling what we can to race and train at our best. With Ironman Arizona yanked away, we look at the emotion racing stirs and how to focus on what matters. We talk about the best ways to approach training and races. We compare cancelled races to post-Ironman blues and look at how to keep our minds in the game. We explain why yellow can be better than green in Training Peaks, the trouble with perfectionism, listening to your body, and why facing fear is the best way to grow. And Coach Robbie preps for Texas 70.3 Topics: The Ironman Arizona Gut Shot Just keep going . . .  The mental and physical rigidity of structure Unpredictable days and 30 minute runs Wear out the opponent by taking body shots well Racing and the outlet of freeing yourself  Training and stabilizing emotions When it feels insurmountable  Evening out the pain with pressure Cancelled Race vs. Ironman Depression. What’s worse? When “graduation day” is stripped away What we learned from Chris Nikic  We need the exciteme

Today we look at Ironman changes/new racing rules and why they could make you slower if not in the right mindset. The swim set up, transitions, spectators, and maybe most importantly — a pretty big change to run aid stations. We’ll look at several ways to make sure you are on top of your mental and physical game in the new Ironman environment. We also get into why cycling in cold is harder and why it’s important to be flexible with your nutrition.  Topics: The exaggerations of triathletes  How long did you “really” ride today? :) The guys didn’t sleep much last night Endurance sports and growing as people What we learned from recent Ironman races Lots of races coming up  You can never compare a race to a race Some athletes like some race changes Pre-Race meetings now on YouTube Why your times are apt to be a little slower Transition changes and set ups  How much should you carry with you on bike and run? A major change in run aid stations Dressing right for the bike Better to be safe than sorry Why it’s so h

The rewards comes from effort. It may not be visible but it always shows up. Today, looking at what effort means, both in training and the race. We talk about race demons and how to not let them take over. Also, we break down the mindset of racing Ironman and how to turn a rough start into a great race. Ironman Florida is also covered in this podcast.  Topics Our Run Camp Lessons Can You Be a Kid Again Everyone seems so serious . . .  Intimidation of new environments The Confidence Equation The most important thing in life and sport The person who works the hardest gets the rewards Getting faster when you’re close to your peak Pushing yourself past plateaus  Committing to what it takes It’s always easier in the beginning Initial Gains are Huge, but then . . .  When Return on investment isn’t what you want Ironman Florida - Our Athlete’s success The Emotions of Ironman How you can finish worse but have a better race It’s not always about the PR How Do You know You had a good race? Expectations that are irrele

Today we talk about the benefits of running trails, the trouble with speed work, and why Ironman is not about going fast, but "who slows down the least." We dive into understanding zones, intervals, and solving the complex combination of swim, bike, run that is triathlon. When in doubt, treat yourself with kindness.  --------------- Registration is now open for the C26 Club Training Program. Take the worry and stress out of your 2021 season. For more information, please visit www.C26Triathlon.com/the-c26-club Looking for a swim analysis, personalized zones for training, and an awesome experience? Check out our New C26 Hub Training Center in Chattanooga.  C26 Gear is now available (for a limited time) at www.c26triathlon.com/c26-store  A great way to support the podcast!  Looking for an awesome coach? Former Professional triathlete, Jessica Jacobs is now coaching for C26 Triathlon. Check out her bio and contact information at our Coaching Page on C26Triathlon.com  Big Shout out to podcast listener and Wordp

“It was too windy.” “Too hot or too cold.” “Too many people in my lane.” What do you do when facing inconvenience? Today we talk about how to turn training obstacles into racing lessons. We also look at subconscious thoughts and how they can affect our moods. We talk about race goal setting and how it can be good and bad. And finally, give some last minute thoughts on how to race Ironman Florida.  Topics: Congrats to everyone about to Race. You’ve already been rewarded. How people have been finding their way and growth Building on expectations Being letdown in our hope Races as Graduation Days How feelings change throughout a race Embracing opportunity of a crappy day Remembering the feeling of rough days Building your mental tool box for race day Owning your space How do your respond to being “off”  Robbies attempt at 100 windy miles in a cold Lab Shifting your perspective to work through things It’s for me not for you When your friend jabs you with a little inspiration Can you be satisfied with a letdown?

This is a great guide for RACE RUNNING and how to train for it. We focus on Ironman, but the same holds true for 70.3, Olympics, and Sprints. For one, we want to strengthen our chassis so we don’t have to walk. And, if we don’t handle the swim and bike right, none of this really matters. It’s a pretty deep dive into accumulated fatigue, accumulated fitness, how to know when you’re in good shape, and why bricks and your long runs might be disrupting your progress.  Topics:  Walk/run vs. Run Brick Running Overrated?? Your body doesn’t care what’s stressing it Running is Running  How to practice running on tired legs You don’t get extra points for running off the bike *When running off the bike makes sense Why you should run before you ride Don’t practice bad running form Run on the “freshest” legs Running off the bike feels weird, but . . .  Do you focus on Swim/Bike bricks?? How the swim cascades into your run  Energy expenditure at Ironman What your purpose should be on the swim Does your bike feel like a wa

How do you respond to change? Ironman Arizona shortens the bike leg and reactions are mixed. What was Robbie's reaction as a coach? How did Mike handle the news as a rebellious-year-older man? Today the guys dive into change and how to deal with it. How to pace a shortened race. Negative head space and punches to the gut. Framing a different experience. The World Series and more. Please check out our new C26 Club Coaching program for 2021 now priced at only $349!  Topics: Love/Hate relationships with birthdays  Ironman Arizona shortens the bike Florida ups Prize Purse for Pros  Coach Robbie’s first concern when he heard Arizona was shortened Adjusting your attitude for race changes How do you pace a shortened Ironman bike? Either way, you’d better be ready The Seahawk that never gave up Changes in Arizona bike course and how they affect you Going in with your best effort to compete with yourself  Recovering from a punch to the gut Why do we obsess over “the distance?” Robbie’s first race after sobriety  Some

There’s a time and place for being serious, but most of us tend to train and race better when we’re relaxed and coming from a place of gratitude. Today we talk about how to race and train “free.” We look at the difference between intensity and focus, and ways to embrace the unknown. Have you ever found your happy place on the run? Can you get off the bike with a fuller tank? Also, what setting A, B, and C goals for your race looks like.    Finding a love to explore  Why laughter may be the key to your training Does LOL on text really mean you’re laughing out loud? Laughter as a mood shifter The impact of our isolation on training When life is hard, people need people Taking ourselves too seriously Drawbacks of perfectionism Lack of nuance in communication Loops of seriousness and training baggage  The weight of the world  Added intensity means added stress Focus vs. Intensity  Do your expectations include being healthy? Perfectly adhering to the plan even if it’s misery This is supposed to be something you L

Today we look at the ways healthy optimism can enhance your training, racing, and life. It’s the little things and they are usually easy to address. Mike talks about his road back from injury and how it’s helped him re-define “feeling good” while training, which he ultimately believes will make him faster. Also, how Coach Robbie has gotten into his best shape in 4 years. When do you push, when should you pull back? Why you should adapt workouts based on your mood. And, the absolutely simplest way to approach your workouts.  Topics: Have you checked out the C26 Club? Take away stress, confusion and feel great with a full-on 2021 Training Plan! Staying Positive and flexible  IRONMAN gets a race off in the US By all accounts Arizona 70.3 went smooth Cutting out loops and “out and backs?” How much safety can IM put into races?? Our Mass Start “bitterness”  Our Mass Start suggestion revisited Dolphin Diving at Ironman Florida Did we defer because we stopped training? “Nobody is gonna race this year” debunked Scal

Endurance training offers so many opportunities but why are some are pulled toward further and others to faster? Are you training for something that is your real strength? Is it Ironman, 70.3, Olympics, sprints . . .? What we could be best at isn’t always our preference, but it's easy to think the things we enjoy most are our strengths. Today we hunt for ways to challenge yourself and find your true potential. Finding love in something you don’t enjoy. And, why you should balance indoor and outdoor training. Topics: Age and comebacks Mike and Robbie’s age gap How our background shapes training perspective The Pull to go Farther . . . C26 Trail Camp weekend 14 x Mountain Peaks in under 45 hours Building your belief system The opportunities for different people in endurance You want to go further or faster? Do you get “flaily?” What’s your best race distance? The difference in training for 70.3 vs. Ironman Why your fastest distance might not be your best distance Endurance is all about discovery and growth Sav

Is triathlon on the decline or upswing?? Ending the comparison trap. We look into Heart Rate Variability and how it relates to fatigue. The best swim sets with limited pool time. Progressing while dealing with an injury. We also look into YOUR WHY . . . what’s it mean and why sometimes it’s better to ask WHY NOT. This one stirred up some great topics!  Topics: Shout out to Drake What is “elite?” Our C26 “70.3” this weekend Ironman 70.3 Arizona . . . this weekend Congratulate yourself for hanging tough IM Louisville and Kona weekend bummer Get out of memory lane The power in mental flexibility Is triathlon on the decline? How you advise athletes from falling into the comparison trap? Not settling for your old self Focus on doing a “genuinely better job” The one area you should be selfish Prisoners of the moment The age of over-thinking, copycat and plagiarism Finding individuality in our own path Fatigue always masks fitness Random “PRs” Dealing with a run injury while getting better? The beauty triathlon and

Great questions from the listeners! Today we tackle core work; how much, how often. Also, recognizing and improving your weaknesses in the correct way. We get into bike fit and why it might be even more important for your run. Finding challenges to alleviate boredom. Also, if you’ve thought about coaching we get into what it really means and things you should be focused on. Finally, long swim layoffs and how to be a better and more purposeful swimmer next season. Topics: The C26 Club is back! A Complete 2021 Training plan and much more for only $349. Visit https://c26triathlon.com/the-c26-club/ for more info. Living forever . . . ? Mike, The Club Manager  Mail truck on fire Optimum amount of core work for triathlon? Recognizing and improving specific weaknesses What’s the difference in a bike fit for short course vs. long course racing? How should I plan a race season? I’m bored, how to I find a challenge? What’s the first step for aspiring coaches? Experience vs. Coaching Certificates? Zoom Calls for social

This year has thrown a lot at us! The triathlon universe has been in flux. The only thing to do is keep chipping away. Create your own race within workouts and realize that today is the only thing we control. Mike talks about his rough year and Robbie takes you back to rehab in an effort to keep our training and moods on pace. Topics: The C26 Club is back! A Complete 2021 Training plan and much more for only $349. Visit https://c26triathlon.com/the-c26-club/ for more info. A little college football talk is back! We’re optimistic about races again! The Saturday 70.3/Sunday 140.6 idea Being a race driven athlete Thriving under the pressure How athletes run away from life Races are selling out The changing landscape Societal awakening? Transitions in life When “newness” wears off It’s a long time to focus Robbie’s Recovery - 30, 60, 90 days The longer you stay, the better your chance What you need vs. want The pain of this year being your first Ironman Post-Ironman downers Combining too many things at once When

Comfort zones are made to leave, but do we push ourselves out so much that it restricts genuine growth? Today we look at how pulling back to let things soak in will make you a stronger, smarter, and more resilient athlete. Also, we take a deep dive into addiction and obsession from the perspective of turning them into positive fuel for growth. Topics: Crossover Sports Roller Girls Addiction Lessons from an Olympic Cyclist (Dotsie Bausch) What’s your addiction? The phone dilemma The layers of addiction Are you trying “not to feel?” Relationships with moderation Dax Shepard on relapse Obsession with the sport Ironman Depression Physical Pain/Emotional High Finding your fuel Taking the edge off your triggers Acknowledging the pain Do we look for obsessions? Where we find our fixes Our “why’s” fluctuate A “more is better” world The pressure of “one-upping” yesterday What’s success to you? The moments that stick with us The Happy and Healthy commitment Appreciating what we have right now Is the one-way media wear

What we do is hard, and that’s why we do it, but do you find the edges of your limits? We had a three day event in Chattanooga and were reminded why we love to test ourselves. Today, we look at ways to approach and push through the pain and discomfort. Also, why that matters in life and why it’s important to get out of your head, move things around in your body, and not quit. Topics: Our Ironman Weekend Event in Chattanooga Races opening up around the world Swimming 2.4 in an Endless Pool Challenging Bike Course Flipping Your Switch When race excitement is removed Envious of the pain? Your celebration can look however you want it Rediscovering something you’ve lost Looking for connection Using race energy True grit experience One person can make a difference Finding a feeling of belief The keys to beating negativity and self-doubt Leaning into your thoughts of fear Long runs more for the mind than body? Isolation forces you to recognize strength What to expect in an Ironman marathon The ease of being distrac